After your implants and healing caps are placed, it is important to follow these care instructions to allow proper healing and preparation for the next phase of treatment. For a bar retained overdenture immediately after your implant procedure, it's important to listen and adhere to your doctor's recovery instructions for the type of anesthetic used for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid excessive chewing, spitting, rinsing, and physical activity. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, or a prescribed medication to help with any discomfort. Be sure to drink lots of water, but don't use a straw for at least 48 hours after the procedure as suction could cause bleeding to occur. Also, don't smoke for at least a week as this can also cause bleeding and hinder healing, swelling, and bruising around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and side of the face is common and may peak two to three days after the procedure. Ice packs can be used to help with swelling, and after 24 hours, you can gently rinse with warm salt water three times per day to reduce pain and swelling. Propping up your head with pillows when lying down will aid both swelling and bleeding. Be sure to wear your temporary denture to help protect the implant sites during the healing process. However, if a healing cap comes off, call your doctor's office to schedule a time to reattach it for the next 10 days. You should eat soft foods that require minimal chewing and drink plenty of cool fluids. Your doctor will monitor the healing process over the next few months at which time you can begin the next phase of treatment for your bar retained overdenture, including the placement of the bar and final denture adjustments during the healing process. If your bite feels uneven or if you experience persistent pain or bleeding outside of the norm after your implant procedure, it is important to contact your doctor's office for assistance.